Spalding County residents oppose high density development near shooting range

The Spalding County Board of Commissioners held a special called meeting on March 19, 2025, at 6 PM, focusing on community concerns regarding a proposed high-density development adjacent to the Griffin Gun Club. The meeting featured public comments from residents and stakeholders who expressed strong opposition to the development, citing potential negative impacts on the community's rural character, infrastructure, and safety.

The first speaker, representing the Griffin Gun Club, emphasized the club's long-standing role in the community and its contributions to youth programs and local events. He argued that the proposed development, which would place high-density housing next to an outdoor shooting range, was not only ill-conceived but also irresponsible. He highlighted that the area already faces challenges from existing developments and stressed the need for a reevaluation of the Comprehensive Plan, particularly in District 5, which is home to two outdoor shooting facilities.

Concerns were raised about the potential for increased traffic and the strain on local infrastructure, particularly emergency services. The speaker noted that with over 4,000 homes already in the pipeline, adding another 3,000 residents could exacerbate these issues. He called for a vote against the development, urging the commissioners to prioritize the interests of current residents over those of the developer.

Connie Snow, a resident of nearby McDonough, Georgia, also voiced her concerns, particularly regarding environmental impacts. She warned that runoff from the development could pollute local water reservoirs and lead to flooding, further complicating emergency response efforts. Snow drew parallels to her own county's struggles with high-density development, urging the commissioners to heed the warnings of their constituents.

Following the public comments, the chair of the commission acknowledged the civility of the discussions and thanked attendees for their respectful participation. The meeting concluded with a motion to close the public hearing, which was unanimously approved.

Overall, the meeting underscored significant community opposition to the proposed development, with residents advocating for a careful consideration of the area's unique characteristics and existing infrastructure challenges. The board's next steps remain to be determined as they weigh the public input against the development proposal.